Image Gallery: October 2007
Nelson Sword of Excellence winner a cut above
18 October 2007
The inaugural Admiral Nelson Sword of Excellence was presented to Commander David McDonald, RAN, in recognition of his superior leadership skills.
The Vice Admiral Viscount Lord Nelson, KB Trafalgar Bicentennial Sword of Excellence is a permanent reminder of Lord Nelson's victory at Trafalgar and is a tangible historical link for the Royal Australian Navy with its forbear the Royal Navy.
The award commemorates the life and achievements of Admiral Horatio Nelson and honours the traditions of leadership to which he made such an exceptional contribution, and which continues to influence the Navy to this day.
The Admiral Nelson Sword of Excellence is awarded annually and seeks to recognise and encourage the qualities of leadership excellence in officers of the Royal Australian Navy.
The award was inaugurated on the initiative of the Nelson Society of Australia in 2005, who with the financial assistance of Barminco Mining Company, purchased a specially-crafted Wilkinson Sword, which was dedicated in 2005 at a ceremony in St George's Cathedral, Perth on 23 October 2005. The sword is now permanently displayed in the Wardroom of HMAS STIRLING.
Commander McDonald's rank, name and year of award will be engraved on the blade of the sword.
| 20071018ran8297357_241076 All stand for the National Anthem played by the RAN band as Commander David McDonald receives the Nelson Society Sword of excellence. The ceremony took place onboard HMAS Warramunga. (Date taken: 18 October 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071018ran8297357_241086 Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Nigel Coates addresses the audience as Commander David McDonald receives the Nelson Society Sword of excellence. The ceremony took place onboard HMAS Warramunga. (Date taken: 18 October 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071018ran8297357_241116 The winner of the 2007 Lord Nelson Society Sword of Excellence, Commander David McDonald, receives the 2007 Lord Nelson Society Sword of Excellence. (Date taken: 18 October 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071018ran8297357_241122 Commander David McDonald, Fleet Executive Officer, receives the 2007 Lord Nelson Society Sword of Excellence. He stands with Rear Admiral Nigel Coates (right) and Nelson Society Chairman Mr Mike Sargeant (left). (Date taken: 18 October 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071018ran8513362_241088 The Fleet Commander, Rear Admiral Nigel Coates (right) presents the 2007 Admiral Lord Nelson Sword of Excellence to Commander David McDonald during the ceremony. (Date taken: 18 October 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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